Find and press the reset button on the bottom of the unit

Most Moen garbage disposals have a red or black reset button located on the underside of the motor housing. This button pops out when the disposal overheats or jams, cutting power to protect the motor. Pressing it back in restores power and is the first step to get your disposal running again.

Before you reach under the sink, turn off the wall switch and make sure the disposal is completely silent — no humming or grinding sounds. If it is still running, wait for it to stop. Never put your hands near the drain opening while the unit has power.

Crouch or lie on your back under the sink so you can see the bottom of the disposal clearly. The reset button is usually a small cylinder that sticks out slightly. Press it firmly until you hear or feel it click back into place. The button should sit flush with the housing when reset.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button on a Moen disposal is located on the bottom of the motor housing and pops out when the unit overheats or jams.
  • Always turn off the wall switch before attempting to reset, and never put your hands in the drain while the disposal has power.
  • Press the reset button firmly until it clicks and sits flush with the housing.
  • If the button pops out again when ready after reset, the disposal may be jammed and needs clearing before it will run.
  • If resetting does not restore power, check the circuit breaker or outlet that supplies the disposal.

Clear a jam before resetting if the disposal is stuck

If the reset button pops out again right after you press it, something is blocking the blades. The motor is shutting itself down to avoid damage. Trying to reset repeatedly without clearing the jam will not work and may damage the motor.

Turn off the wall switch. Use a flashlight to look down the drain and see what is stuck. Common culprits are bones, fruit pits, fibrous vegetables like celery, or utensils that fell in. If you can see the object and reach it with needle-nose pliers or tongs, grab it and pull straight up. Do not force it — if it will not budge, stop and call a plumber.

Once the drain is clear, try the reset button again. The disposal should now accept power without the button popping back out. If it still does not work, move on to checking the power supply.

Check the circuit breaker and outlet if reset does not restore power

If pressing the reset button does not turn the disposal back on, the problem may be upstream in your home's electrical system. Look at the circuit breaker panel in your basement, garage, or utility closet. Find the breaker labeled for the kitchen or garbage disposal — it may be switched to the OFF position or somewhere between ON and OFF.

Switch it fully to OFF, wait five seconds, then switch it back to ON. This resets the breaker itself. Go back to the sink and try the disposal. If it still does not run, the outlet may be dead.

Plug a lamp or phone charger into the outlet under the sink where the disposal is plugged in. If that device does not work either, the outlet has lost power. This usually means the breaker needs replacement or there is a wiring problem — call an electrician. If the outlet works but the disposal still does not, the disposal motor itself may have failed.

Test the wall switch to rule out a faulty switch

A broken wall switch can prevent the disposal from turning on even if power reaches it. Turn off the breaker first. Unscrew the switch plate and pull the switch out slightly to see the wires behind it. If any wires are loose or corroded, that is your problem — call an electrician to reconnect or replace the switch.

If the wires look tight and clean, turn the breaker back on and try the switch again. Flip it on and off several times. Sometimes a switch that feels stuck will work after being cycled a few times. If the disposal still does not respond, the switch itself may be worn out and need replacement.

Know when to stop troubleshooting and call a plumber

If you have reset the button, cleared any visible jam, checked the breaker, and tested the outlet, and the disposal still will not run, the motor or internal components have likely failed. Continuing to press the reset button or flip the switch will not fix an internal mechanical problem.

A plumber or appliance repair technician can test the motor with a multimeter and tell you whether it can be repaired or needs replacement. Moen disposals typically last 8 to 15 years depending on use. If yours is older than 10 years and stops working, replacement is often cheaper than repair.

Prevent future jams and resets with straightforward habits

Most reset events happen because something gets stuck in the disposal. Avoid putting bones, pits, shells, or tough fibrous foods like corn husks and celery stalks down the drain. Run cold water while the disposal is on, and let it run for a few seconds after you turn off the unit — this flushes debris through the pipes.

Do not pour grease or oil down the drain, even with the disposal running. Grease cools and hardens in the pipes, trapping food particles and eventually causing a backup that stresses the motor. Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the reset button on a Moen disposal?

The reset button is on the bottom of the motor housing, the cylindrical part under the sink. It is usually red or black and sticks out slightly when tripped. You may need to lie on your back or use a flashlight to see it clearly. Press it firmly until it clicks and sits flush with the housing.

Why does the reset button keep popping back out?

The button pops out when the motor overheats or when the blades are jammed and cannot turn. If it pops out again when ready after you reset it, something is blocking the disposal. Look down the drain with a flashlight and remove any visible objects with pliers before trying to reset again.

Can I reset the disposal if the wall switch is off?

Yes. The reset button works independently of the wall switch. You can press it with the switch in the OFF position. However, you should always turn off the wall switch before reaching under the sink for safety, even though the disposal will not run without power.

What should I do if the reset button is stuck and will not press?

Do not force it. A stuck button usually means the motor is jammed or overheated and the button is held in place by internal pressure. Turn off the breaker, wait 15 minutes for the motor to cool, then try again. If it is still stuck, the motor may have internal damage and needs professional repair.

Is it safe to put my hand down the drain to clear a jam?

No. Always use pliers, tongs, or a grabber tool to remove objects from the drain. Even with the switch off, there is a risk of the disposal suddenly running if someone else turns it on. Keep your hands out of the drain entirely.